42.

64º30´00´´S, 61º46´00´´W North East point of the Reclus peninsula on the

Key Features -Accessible glacier walk and glacial scenery -Continental landing site

Description

TOPOGRAPHY Narrow point in the northeast part of Reclus Peninsula, includes a high promontory with views across entrance to . Two small peninsulas protrude from the point; one circular is shape and the other lowing lying and rocky.

FAUNA Hauled out: Fur seal, Weddell seal. Individuals occasionally present: Brown skua, Gentoo penguin, Southern giant petrel. Resting: Blue-eyed shag, Southern giant petrel.

OTHER Site of the remains of British hut CR (Cape Reclus), also known as Portal Point, (established in 1956, and occupied intermittently for survey work, 1957-58. Party from Danco Island (Station O) wintered there 1957 to continue local survey work. Four-man party, led by Sir , completed the first traverse by dog team from to Cape Reclus 9 Oct-30 Dec 1957.

Subsequently removed for display outside of . Only concrete foundations now remain at Portal Point.

Visitor Impact

KNOWN IMPACTS None identified

POTENTIAL IMPACTS Disturbance of wildlife.

Landing Requirements

SHIPS* Max pax on board: 500 Ships per day: 3 Comments: * A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.

VISITORS Visitors per guide: 20 Comments: Visitors ashore at one time (not including guides): 100.

42. Portal Point

64º30´00´´S, 61º46´00´´W North East point of the Reclus peninsula on the Danco Coast

Visitor Area

LANDING AREA Primary landing site – Sheltered cove in between the main point and the point containing the remains of Hut CR.

Two secondary landing sites – The first on the opposite side of the point to the primary landing site. The second the other side of the point containing the remains of Hut CR.

All landings are on to rocks, caution should be taken to avoid shallow rocks on approach to all landing sites.

CLOSED AREA None

GUIDED WALKING AREA Guided walks up the slope to the promontory directly in front of the primary landing zone. Further walks around and down to the remains of Hut CR or turning in the other direction across to the circular peninsula.

FREE ROAMING AREA Visitors are free to roam in the area of the landing sites.

Visitor code of conduct

BEHAVIOUR ASHORE • Maintain a precautionary distance of 5 metres from wildlife and give animals the right-of-way. Increase this distance if any change in behaviour is observed. • Visitors walking to the top of the slope should be guided, with close supervision on the ridge.

CAUTIONARY NOTES • The top of the slope is a sheer drop and only visible from close to the edge, visitors should approach with caution always following safe marked paths and maintain a safe distance from the edge. • The landing sites will be heavy with sea ice and snow cover in the early season. • There is a known risk of crevassing on the site with an identified crevasse (S 64°30.017’ W 061°46.258’) • Higher point is crevassed and dangerous. It should only be accessed by those with suitable experience and training and with suitable equipment (eg, roped access). • Snow cliffs surrounding the site are unstable and should be approached with caution.

42. Portal Point

64º30´00´´S, 61º46´00´´W North East point of the Reclus peninsula on the Danco Coast

Primary landing site

Alternative landing site Hut foundations

42. Portal Point

64º30´00´´S, 61º46´00´´W North East point of the Reclus peninsula on the Danco Coast